With 83.53% of the land in all four river counties used for crop production, agriculture holds a strong presence. AG Day is to highlight agriculture in Ballard, Carlisle, Fulton, and Hickman County. 

The 2^nd year for the event, WAVE River Counties AG Day, was held at Carlisle County Fairgrounds in Bardwell, KY on July 19 from 7:30 am to 2:00 pm. The theme “Lets Grow With It” was chosen again. 

The WAVE Ag Day was a joint venture including all four county judge executives, the UK Ag agents in each county, Ag businesses, the county farm bureaus, the Ballard Chamber of Commerce, River Valley Ag Credit, Murray State University, and Ballard school officials.  Numerous planning meetings were held throughout the year.  Sponsors were obtained to help fund the Ag Day. The platinum sponsors presented four awards: Farmer of the Year, Ag Business of the Year, the Friend of Agriculture Award and a Young Farmer award. 

The day started off with a breakfast in honor and appreciation of farmers, producers and Ag businesses in the four river counties. With an attendance of over 500 people the group listened to keynotes by Agriculture Commissioner Ryan Quarles, and Warren Beeler about strong agricultural and economic development chances for the counties. On hand were other legislators and the county judge executives.

Following the breakfast and awards program people could attend booths set up to tell agriculture’s real story.  Over sixty exhibits and vendors were set up for the public to visit and view. The Kentucky Ag Mobile Classroom was set up as well as Dale Dobson with a tractor roll over and lawn mower safety demonstration. There was food, fun, and things to do all involving agriculture and how we can grow with it. Lots of the kids enjoyed the petting zoo. Even though it was extremely hot those surveyed agreed agriculture plays a big part in our counties. They also mentioned they would like to see some shift in time.  Bob Wilson form Ballard County School system said " the day was a great success."  Everyone is looking forward to the event next year. The Ag Day will rotate to all four counties and it will be held in Hickman County in 2019.   

                                                                                        Steve Kelley (from Carlisle County)  receiving farmer of the Year Award.